WANA (Feb 02) – In the wake of recent attacks by resistance groups on the American military base straddling the Syria-Jordan border, resulting in the casualties of over 40 U.S. soldiers, U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken has asserted the nation’s commitment to a decisive military response at the appropriate time and place.

 

Addressing the volatile situation, Blinken issued a direct warning to the resistance groups in the region, declaring that any attempt to escalate the conflict would be met with retaliatory measures.

 

Accusing the Islamic Republic of Iran once more, Blinken outlined a comprehensive, multi-faceted, and time-consuming response strategy against Iran.

 

However, in a surprising turn of events, American political and security officials reportedly dismissed the notion of a military attack on Iran during an emergency meeting of the White House National Security Council. The rejection was attributed to domestic, global, and regional challenges, indicating a nuanced approach to the evolving situation.

A drone is launched during a military exercise in an undisclosed location in Iran in this handout image obtained on October 4, 2023. Iranian Army/WANA (West Asia News Agency)

Following this, the White House National Security Council spokesperson emphasized, “We are not seeking a war with Iran,” marking a crucial statement that reverberated across international media.

 

 

In response to the escalating tensions, Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi, speaking on February 2nd, clarified that his country harbors no intentions of initiating a war. However, he asserted that any attempts to bully Iran would be met with a strong response. “We have said many times that we will not initiate any war, but if a country, a cruel force, wants to bully, the Islamic Republic of Iran will respond firmly,” Said Raisi.

 

Raisi highlighted a noteworthy shift in the U.S. stance, citing the country’s previous inclination towards military options in discussions with Iran and its current assertion of no intent for conflict.

Iranian ballistic missiles are displayed during the ceremony of joining the Armed Forces, in Tehran, Iran, August 22, 2023. Iran's Presidency/WANA (West Asia News Agency)

Iranian ballistic missiles are displayed during the ceremony of joining the Armed Forces in Tehran, Iran, on August 22, 2023. Iran’s Presidency/WANA (West Asia News Agency)

Raisi went on to stress that the military power of the Islamic Republic in the region has consistently served to ensure the security and trust of neighboring countries, challenging the notion that Iran poses a threat to any nation.

Also, The commander-in-chief of Iran’s army has recently expressed the country’s desire to avoid any escalation of hostilities while emphasizing its readiness to respond to any perceived threats. In doing so, the commander reminded the United States of the mutual understanding between the two nations regarding their respective military capabilities.

 

“The common chapter between you and us (Iran and the U.S.) is that we know each other. You know that we do not leave any threats unanswered. While we are not looking for war, we are not afraid of war and do not run away from it .” Said General Salami on Wednesday, January 31st,2024.

 

 

Iran has done enough to show that it does not pursue war yet won’t stand back when there is a threat. However, recent statements by the U.S. have not been entirely clear, and the U.S. does not seem sure about the threats they have made in the past days. The only definite thing that can be said is that both parties are aware that military conflict would not be beneficial for anyone involved, and it is in everyone’s best interest to seek peaceful resolutions.